Is New Rochelle United?

Anonymous wrote:

"I can understand you wanting better for your children, yourself, your community. What I do not understand is why you keep casting your issues with the code words "north" and "south". Bring attention to the issues, hold people responsible, etc., but please stop trying to divide New Rochelle with your own bigotry thinly disguised with the north south references."

Common Sense 51

August 11, 2008 7:11 PM

There have been a number of objections to the use of divisive language in this forum. Oddly enough, some of the same objections are laced with similar language. For example, the author of the above comment expresses "understanding" while using the phrases"your children", "yourself" and "your community." At same time accusing others of bigotry. The author is concerned about the integrity of New Rochelle but does not include himself/herself in our community and does not see the children of New Rochelle as his/her children. There is always the possibility that the author does not live in our community and has no kids. Nevertheless, we ask the question: is New Rochelle a united community? It is certainly diverse in composition. Most of us believe it should be a united community. But just saying it and repeating it does not make it so. It takes more, a lot more. We do agree with the author that we need to discuss issues and hold people accountable when it comes to our schools. Maybe that is the direction this forum should take. The challenge with this is that this blog has initiated a discussion, but many of the people who commented have engaged in personal attacks, insults, ridicule, and attempts to discredit anything they do not agree with. Others, on the other hand, have attempted to maintain a high level of professionalism. The issues people bring up are real, are out there in our community and should be treated with dignity and respect. We hope to separate fact from fiction and get to the root of our concerns. Once we can clearly articulate the basis for these concerns and reach consensus, we believe we will be able to move forward. Contrary to the claims of the City School District, we do not believe there are effective mechanisms to address these concerns. Many of us have tried and our concerns have fallen on deaf ears. Hence, the creation of this forum. In the process, we will be looking to those who should be held accountable. How can anybody divide a community that is not united?